JPH01277540A - Apparatus for displaying operation of ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To clearly know that an ultrasonic probe is operating, by providing a transparent window part to a part of the housing of an ultrasonic probe flush with the surface of said housing and arranging an operation display device in the transparent window part. CONSTITUTION:A large number of rectangular ultrasonic vibrators 2 are linearily arranged to the front side part in a housing 1 composed of an opaque ABS resin and connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body by lead wires. A transparent window part 3 is provided to a part of the upper surface of the housing 1 so as to be flush with the surface of the housing 1. An LED 6 as an operation display device is arranged inside the transparent window part 3 and electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body through a lead wire 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention emits an ultrasonic pulse beam into a subject, receives reflected waves from the subject caused by differences in acoustic impedance, and determines the shape of the subject based on the strength and weakness of the reflected waves. The present invention relates to an operation display device for an ultrasound probe for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that obtains ultrasound tomographic images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various configurations of conventional ultrasound probes are known. The linear electronic scanning type ultrasound probe shown in FIG. It is connected to the main body of the diagnostic device (not shown) using a lead wire 53,
By operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body, the ultrasound transducer 52 is sequentially electrically energized and scanned via the lead wire 53 to scan the subject (
Transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to (living body). The convex electronic scanning ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. 8 has a large number of rectangular ultrasonic transducers 52 arranged in an arc shape, and the other configuration is the linear electronic scanning ultrasonic probe shown in FIG. It is similar to a sonic probe. Further, the electronic sector scanning type ultrasonic probe scans a large number of linearly arranged ultrasonic transducers in a sector-like manner purely electronically. The mechanical sector scanning type ultrasound probe shown in FIG.
A support body 56 is rotatably supported inside the housing 54 , a disk-shaped ultrasonic transducer 57 is supported on the support body 56 , and this ultrasonic transducer 57 is immersed in an ultrasonic propagation liquid 58 . Boo! The motor 59 and support body 56 provided on the inside of the side part! J-60
, 61 and a belt 62, and the ultrasonic transducer 57 and the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are electrically connected by a rotary transformer and a lead wire (both not shown). The support body 56 and the ultrasonic vibrator 5 are driven by the motor 59.
By rotating the ultrasonic transducer 7 in one direction or reciprocatingly, and operating the lead wire and rotary transformer, the ultrasonic transducer 57 is mechanically scanned in a fan shape. In addition, even with the same type of ultrasound probe, it is possible to selectively use ultrasound waves of different frequencies, different test widths, ultrasound beam focal lengths, ultrasound beam diameters, etc., depending on various diagnostic purposes. It has been developed to be possible.

In addition, as shown in Figure 10, 1
When two or more ultrasonic probes 64, 65, 66 of different types are connected simultaneously to the main body 63 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, two or more ultrasonic probes 64, 65, 66 of different types are connected at the same time. It has become possible to connect and use a probe. Therefore, you can use multiple ultrasound probes that are connected to the ultrasound diagnostic equipment in advance, without having to select the required ultrasound probe each time depending on the diagnostic purpose and then replace and connect the ultrasound probe to the ultrasound diagnostic equipment. can be used selectively, saving the trouble of switching connections and improving the convenience of ultrasound diagnosis.

In the above conventional ultrasonic probe, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B), a hole 67 is formed in the side surface of the housing 51, and a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as There is also known an ultrasonic probe equipped with an LED (LED) 68 to indicate that the ultrasonic probe is being energized. Accordingly, when a plurality of ultrasonic probes are connected to the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus at the same time, it is possible to easily know which ultrasonic probe is energized.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the conventional ultrasonic probe described above, the problem as shown in FIG. 11(B)
As shown in the figure, an LED 68 with a hemispherical tip is mounted on the housing 5.
It is attached in the hole 67 so as to partially protrude from the surface of 1. Therefore, the protrusion of the LED 68 does not get in the way when wiping dirt off the outer surface of the ultrasonic probe housing 51 or when storing the ultrasonic probe, and strong force does not disturb the LED 6.
If applied to the tip of the LED 68, there is a risk that the LED 68 may be destroyed or fall off, or its waterproof performance may be destroyed due to cleaning with a brush or the like. Furthermore, although the LED 68 is attached by means such as adhesive, there is a gap 6 between the hole 67 and the inner wall.
90 outbreak is unavoidable. For this reason, there were problems such as dirt and the like accumulating in the gap 69, making it difficult to clean the ultrasonic probes 64, 65, and 66, and making disinfection and sterilization incomplete. .

The present invention solves the problems of the prior art as described above, and makes it possible to clearly see at a glance that the ultrasound probe is in operation. In addition to making it easier to connect and use an ultrasound probe, it is also important to prevent it from protruding from the surface of the ultrasound probe casing and to avoid creating gaps. This allows for easy cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, etc., as well as keeping it hygienic.Also, there is no risk of destruction or damage to the waterproof function, improving reliability. The object of the present invention is to provide an operation display device for a sonic probe.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a housing for a part of the housing of an ultrasound probe that is connected to the main body of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus by a cable and houses an ultrasound transducer. A transparent window is provided so as to be substantially flush with the surface of the body, and an operation indicator is provided inside the transparent window to indicate that the ultrasonic transducer is in operation.

The transparent window part is formed by fixing a transparent material into a window hole formed in the housing, or is integrally formed with the housing, and the operation indicator is made of an incandescent lamp, a plasma discharge lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or an electroluminescent lamp. It is composed of an optical fiber whose tip is attached to the inner surface of the transparent window, and a light emitter similar to the above provided at the proximal end of the optical fiber. Color instead of light emitter.

It consists of a movable reflector with either letters or symbols displayed on it, and an electromagnetic solenoid that moves this movable reflector.
In addition, the above operation indicator has two colored characters.

It is preferable that the movable reflector plate is provided with one of the symbols and an electromagnetic solenoid that moves the movable reflector plate.

In addition, a hole is formed in the casing in place of the above-mentioned transparent window, and the tip of the operation indicator is tightly attached to this hole, so that the tip of the operation indicator is almost flush with the surface of the casing. It is composed of

The above operation indicator uses a light emitting device such as an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, fluorescent lamp, electroluminescence, or light emitting diode, or an optical fiber whose tip is attached to a hole in the housing, and this optical fiber. consisting of a light emitting device such as an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, fluorescent lamp, electroluminescence, or light emitting diode installed at the base end of the It is preferable to include a movable reflector with an indication of , and an electromagnetic solenoid that moves this movable reflector.

Effects The present invention has the following effects due to the above structure.

That is, an operation indicator indicating the energization operation of the ultrasonic probe is provided inside a transparent window provided in a part of the housing, and the surface of the transparent window is made to be almost flush with the surface of the housing. Alternatively, the tip of the operation indicator is tightly attached to the hole formed in the casing in place of the transparent window, so that the tip of the operation indicator is almost flush with the surface of the casing. This operation indicator allows you to know at a glance that it is in operation, and also prevents it from protruding from the surface of the ultrasonic probe and leaving no gaps. I can do it.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of essential parts showing an operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, it was implemented on an IJ near electronic scanning type ultrasound probe, and as shown in Fig. 1, an opaque AB
A large number of rectangular ultrasonic transducers 2 are arranged in a straight line on the front side of a housing 1 made of S resin, and these ultrasonic transducers 2 and the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (not shown) are connected by lead wires ( (not shown). A transparent window portion 3 is provided on a part of the upper surface of the housing 1. As an example, there are 4 window holes in the casing 1.
A transparent material 5 made of transparent ABS resin is fixed to this window hole 4 by ultrasonic welding without any gaps.
That is, the surface of the transparent window portion 3 is formed to be the same surface as the surface of the housing 1. Inside the transparent window part 3, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as L) is installed as an operation indicator.
(referred to as ED) 6 are supported by a support part (not shown) at a slight distance from each other, or are bonded in contact with each other. LED
6 is electrically connected to the ultrasound diagnostic equipment main body (not shown) via a lead wire 7, and L
ED6 is set to turn on.

In the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the operation thereof will be described below.

The ultrasonic diagnostic device operates by energizing the ultrasonic transducer 2 by operating a switch on the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, sequentially electrically energizing and scanning the ultrasonic transducer 2, and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the living body. An ultrasound tomographic image of a living body can be displayed on the display of the main body. By lighting up the LED 6 in conjunction with the energization of the ultrasonic transducer 2, the LED 6
The light passes through the transparent window 3 to the outside, and indicates that the ultrasonic transducer 2, that is, the ultrasonic probe is energized. Therefore, this energization operating state can be known at a glance. Further, when the power supply to the ultrasonic transducer 2 is stopped, the power supply to the LED 6 is also stopped and the LED 6 is turned off, so that it can be known that the ultrasound probe is stopped.

In the ultrasonic probe operation display device having the above configuration, the surface of the transparent window portion 3 is flush with the surface of the casing 10, and there is no gap, so there is no accumulation of dust or dirt, and cleaning, disinfection, etc.
Sterilization can be easily performed, and the reliability of the ultrasonic probe can be further improved without fear of breakage or damage to waterproof properties.

In addition to the above-mentioned ABS resin, the transparent material 5 used for the transparent window part 3 can be made of various transparent plastics such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride, glass, etc., depending on the material of the casing l. Alternatively, it may be colored and have lower transparency. Further, the transparent window portion 3 may be integrally molded with the housing 1. Further, instead of the LED 6, a light emitting device such as an incandescent lamp, a plasma discharge lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or an electroluminescent lamp can be used. Also, LE'D6
The operation indicator may also serve as an indicator of the scanning start direction of the ultrasonic beam.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of essential parts showing an operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

This example was implemented on an IJ near electronic scanning type ultrasound probe, and the configuration of the operation indicator is different from the first example above, and the other configurations are the same as the first example. It is. As shown in FIG. 2, the tips of a plurality of optical fibers 8 are attached to the inner surface of a transparent window 3 provided on a part of the upper surface of the housing 1 by adhesive. A light emitting device such as an LED 6 is bonded to the base of the optical fiber 8 so as to be located inside the housing 1 on the end side of the row of ultrasonic transducers 2.

Then, by operating a switch on the ultrasound diagnostic device, the LED 6 is turned on in conjunction with the energization of the ultrasound transducer 2, and the light from the LED 6 is transmitted through the optical fiber 8.
The light passes through the transparent window portion 3 to the outside and can display the energization operation of the ultrasound probe.

According to this embodiment, the mounting position of the light emitting device such as the LED 6 depends on the circumstances of the electric circuit inside the housing 1.
＜Can be set at any position.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 3(A), (B), (C), and (D) show an operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(A) shows the main parts. 3(B), 3(C), and 3(D) each show a plan view of a display example of a movable reflector, and FIG. 3(A) is a schematic sectional view of the main part, and FIG. B), (C), and (D) are respectively plan views of display examples of the movable reflector.

This embodiment is implemented in a convex electronic scanning type ultrasound probe, and differs from the first embodiment in that a large number of rectangular ultrasound transducers 2 are arranged in an arc shape, and an operation indicator is also provided. The configuration of the second embodiment is different, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(A), a movable reflector 9 is provided inside the transparent window 3, and the movable reflector 9 is moved along the inner surface of the transparent window 3 by an electromagnetic solenoid 10. The electromagnetic solenoid 10 is set to operate in conjunction with energization of the ultrasonic transducer 2 by operating a switch on the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and to move the movable reflection plate 9. The movable reflector 9 is divided into two different colors 9a and 9b, such as black and red, in the direction of movement as shown in FIG. 3(B), or as shown in FIG. 3(C). ON in direction
and OFF characters 9C and 9b are displayed, or the same figure (D)
1 and ○ symbols 9e and 9f are displayed as shown in FIG.

Then, by operating a switch on the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the electromagnetic solenoid 10 is excited in conjunction with the energization of the ultrasound transducer 2, and the movable reflection plate 9 is moved.

Accordingly, the reflected light from the movable reflector 90 is guided to the outside through the transparent window section 3, and when the black display 9b, the ON character display 9d, or the ○ symbol display 9r is seen, the ultrasonic probe is energized. You can know what you are doing.

Furthermore, when the power supply to the ultrasonic transducer 2 is stopped, the power supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 10 is stopped and demagnetized, and the movable reflector plate 9 returns to its original position by the elasticity of a spring or the like, and passes through the transparent window part 3. It can be known that the ultrasonic probe is stopped by looking at the red display 9a or the OFF character table system 9C1 or 1 symbol display 9e.

Note that the movable reflector 9 and the electromagnetic solenoid 10 in this embodiment can be used in place of the light emitting device such as the LED 6 in the second embodiment, and are not affected by the circumstances of the electric circuit inside the housing 1. , can be set in any position.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of essential parts showing an operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, it was implemented on an IJ near electronic scanning type ultrasound probe, and unlike the first example above, an operation indicator is attached directly to the housing 1 instead of the transparent window 3. Except for this configuration, the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a circular hole 11 is formed in a part of the upper surface of the housing 1, and the tip of a light emitting device such as an LED 12 having a flat tip surface and a cylindrical shape is tightly glued into the hole 11. The front end surface of the LED 12 is configured to be flush with the surface of the housing 1.

Then, by turning on the LED 12 in conjunction with the energization of the ultrasound transducer 2 by operating a switch on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body, the operation of the ultrasound probe can be displayed using the light of the LED 12. .

Note that, as long as the end surface of the light emitting device such as the LED 12 is flat, the side surface is not limited to the cylindrical shape as described above, but may have a prismatic shape or the like, and the shape is not limited to adhesive, but may also be screwed.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of essential parts showing an operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, it was implemented on a linear electronic scanning type ultrasound probe, and unlike the first example above, an operation indicator was attached directly to the housing l instead of the transparent window part 3. The configuration is different, and the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a circular hole 12 is formed in a part of the upper surface of the casing 1, and the tips of a plurality of optical fibers 13 whose tip surfaces are aligned in a plane are tightly attached to the holes 12 by gluing. Attach the optical fiber 13 so that its tip surface is flush with the surface of the housing 1, and attach an LED to the base of the optical fiber 13.
It is equipped with a 6th grade light emitting device.

Then, by operating a switch on the main body of the ultrasound diagnostic device, the LED 6 is turned on in conjunction with the energization of the ultrasound transducer 2, so that the light from the LED 6 passes through the optical fiber 13 and is guided to the outside of the housing 1. It will be destroyed. Thereby, the energization operation of the ultrasonic probe can be displayed.

It goes without saying that in this embodiment as well, the light emitting device such as the LED 6 can be mounted at any position within the housing J as described in the second embodiment. Further, although not shown, the movable reflector 9 and electromagnetic solenoid 10 in the third embodiment may be used instead of the light emitting device such as the LED 6.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of essential parts showing an operation display device for an ultrasound probe in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the method is applied to a mechanical sector scanning type ultrasound probe, and as shown in FIG. and a disc-shaped ultrasonic transducer 17 is supported on the support body 16,
The ultrasonic vibrator 17 is immersed in an ultrasonic propagation liquid 18, and the motor 19 provided inside the rear side of the housing 14 and the support body 17 are linked by pulleys 20, 21 and belts 22, and the ultrasonic vibrator 17 and the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are airtightly connected through a rotary transformer and a lead wire (both not shown). Similar to the first embodiment, a transparent window 3 is provided in a part of the upper part of the casing 1, and a light emitting device such as an LED 6 is provided inside the transparent window 3.

Then, by operating the switch on the ultrasound diagnostic device,
At the same time as driving the motor 19 to rotate and scan the ultrasonic transducer 17 in one direction or reciprocatingly, the LED
6 can be turned on to display the operation of the ultrasonic probe.

Note that the operation indicator shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be used in place of the light emitting device such as the LED 6 in this embodiment, and the hole in the housing 1 can be used as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is also possible to directly attach the tip of the operation indicator to 11.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, an operation indicator indicating the energization operation of the ultrasonic probe is provided inside a transparent window provided in a part of the housing, and the surface of the transparent window is The tip of the operation indicator can be configured so that it is almost flush with the surface of the casing, or the tip of the operation indicator can be tightly attached to a hole formed in the casing in place of the above-mentioned transparent window. Since it is configured so that it is almost flush with the surface of the casing, this operation indicator allows you to know at a glance that it is in operation. This is convenient when connecting a probe. In addition, since it does not protrude from the surface of the ultrasonic probe and does not leave any gaps, the ultrasonic probe can be easily cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized without any problems. It is possible to prevent dirt from accumulating and maintain hygiene, and there is no risk of destruction or damage to waterproof performance, and reliability can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an operation display device of an ultrasound probe in a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure, Figure 3 (A)
, (B), (C), and (D) are the third embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 4 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part, Fig. 4 (B), (C), and (D) are respectively plan views of display examples of the movable reflector. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of essential parts showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of essential parts showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 7, 8, and 9 are schematic sectional views of a conventional ultrasound probe, respectively. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional ultrasound diagnostic device, and FIG. A perspective view of an ultrasound probe equipped with a conventional operation display device, the same figure (B
) is a sectional view of the main part. l... Housing, 2... Ultrasonic transducer, 3... Transparent window, 6... LED, 8... Optical fiber, 9...
Movable reflector 10...electromagnetic solenoid, 12...LE
D, 13... Optical fiber, 14... Housing, 17.
...Ultrasonic vibrator. Figure 1 Figure 4 Figure 7 Figure 10 Figure 1I Figure

Claims (11)

[Claims] (1) Connected to the ultrasound diagnostic equipment main body by a cable,
A transparent window is provided in a part of the casing of the ultrasonic probe that houses the ultrasonic transducer so that it is almost flush with the surface of the casing, and the ultrasonic transducer is placed inside the transparent window. An operation display device for an ultrasound probe equipped with an operation indicator for indicating that the probe is in operation. (2) The operation display device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the transparent window portion has a transparent material fixed to a window hole formed in the housing. (3) The operation display device for an ultrasound probe according to claim 1, wherein the transparent window portion is integrally molded with the housing. (4) If the operation indicator is an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, or fluorescent lamp,
4. The operation display device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, which is a light emitting device such as electroluminescence or a light emitting diode. (5) The operation indicator is an optical fiber whose tip is attached to the inner surface of the transparent window, and a light emitting device such as an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, electroluminescence, or light emitting diode installed at the base end of this optical fiber. Claims 1 to 3
An operation display device for an ultrasonic probe according to any one of the above. (6) an optical fiber with an operation indicator whose tip is attached to the inner surface of the transparent window; a movable reflector provided at the base end of the optical fiber and displaying any of colors, letters, or symbols;
The ultrasonic probe operation display device according to claim 1, comprising an electromagnetic solenoid that moves the movable reflector. (7) The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation indicator comprises a movable reflector displaying any one of colors, letters, and symbols, and an electromagnetic solenoid that moves the movable reflector. Tentacle operation display device. (8) A hole is formed in the casing in place of the transparent window, and the tip of the operation indicator is tightly attached to this hole, so that the tip of the operation indicator is almost flush with the surface of the casing. An operation display device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, comprising: (9) The operation indicator is an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, fluorescent lamp,
9. The operation display device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting device is one of electroluminescence and a light emitting diode. (10) An optical fiber whose tip end is attached to a hole in the housing, and an incandescent lamp, plasma discharge lamp, fluorescent lamp, electroluminescent lamp,
9. The ultrasonic probe operation display device according to claim 8, which is a light emitting device selected from a light emitting diode. (11) The operation indicator consists of an optical fiber whose tip is attached to a hole in the housing, a movable reflector provided at the base end of this optical fiber and on which a color, text, or symbol is displayed, and this movable reflector. 9. The ultrasonic probe operation display device according to claim 8, comprising a moving electromagnetic solenoid.